Comparison with various parts of Broussonetia papyrifera as to the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in rodents

This study compared the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of various parts of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L'Herit. ex Vent. (BP, Moraceae) by chemical-induced pain and inflammation in rodents. All BP parts (1 and 2 g/kg, p.o.) effectively inhibited writhing responses induced by 1% acetic acid. The BP radix, leaf, and fruit effectively inhibited the late-phase licking responses caused by 1% formalin. But only the BP radix and fruit reduced the edema induced by 1% carrageenan at 1-2 h. Furthermore, the BP radix reduced the abdominal Evan's blue extravasations caused by inflammatory mediators, including serotonin and sodium nitroprusside. Finally, the radix had the highest contents of betulin and betulinic acid among all BP parts. In conclusion, the radix is the better medicinal BP part possessing antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, and its anti-inflammatory effects are partially related to the inhibition of vascular permeability via autocrines and nitric oxide.